Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has entered hospice care, the Carter Center announced on Friday.
Rosalynn Carter was diagnosed with dementia in May. She is 96 years old. Former President Jimmy Carter entered hospice himself in February and recently celebrated his 99th birthday.
"She and President Carter are spending time with each other and their family," a Carter Center statement said. "The Carter family continues to ask for privacy and remains grateful for the outpouring of love and support."
The beloved couple were recently spotted in September, kicking off the first day of fall at the Plains Peanuts Festival.
Their grandson Jason Carter said in August - the same month Rosalynn turned 96 - that the couple were in their "final chapter." He spoke that month of how Rosalynn has continued to visit with family.
“Every time I go see my grandmother, she tells me of the story of me bringing my youngest Jonathan over to see him play. He had this small little scooter and he would just tear all through the living room,” he said.
Rosalynn Carter herself has long been a champion for mental health and caregiving.
In 1987, after leaving the White House, Mrs. Carter founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.
“My grandmother’s quote is: ‘There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers’,” their grandson said. “My grandparents are definitely in the last category, but they’ve lived all four stages.”
The Carters are the longest-married presidential couple.
The Alzheimer's Association of Atlanta is reminding those with questions about dementia care can call its 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900. The helpline is staffed with Master’s level social workers and can even do one-on-one care consultations to help families navigate dementia in all its stages.
